Just Breathe

Finishing races begins at the start – in the garage to be more precise. The adage of “to finish first you first must finish” begins with car maintenance and construction. More than once I have seen cars hit the track for the first practice session only to spill fluids all over the place. When the smoke clears, the result is usually a load of engine oil or gear lube all the way around the track. Usually, the leak is unknown to the driver and the mess always seems to be square in the middle of the groove.

Overfilling fluids is a common cause of leakage and often errors in the venting system create the trouble. Fluid management and proper venting practices are simple. With a few tips your team can avoid being the practice killing culprit. How many times have you seen team oil down the track at the first race or practice of the year? Unfortunately, major track oil downs seems to happen every year - at every track and at every division. Luckily, a British Petroleum Gulf Coast top kill operation isn’t needed. Simple construction tips and standard care get the job done. If nothing else maybe some conversation on the topic will save a few tracks from the dreaded oil downs.

Since most late models run quick change rear ends it is easy to find the proper fill level as site plugs guide the way. Rear end pumps and auxiliary coolers can complicate fill levels so it pays to fill the system with a predetermined amount of fluid. Knowing the exact amount to fill your rear end speeds gear changes at the track and eliminates the chance of over filling. The next time you drain your rear end simply measure the amount of fluid. With the results you can then pre-package the correct amount for a quick refill.